"The spirit was already aloft, I was pulling on my boots" - W H Murray, Mountaineering in Scotland

Stuc a' Chroin and Ben Vorich

Tuesday, 5 November 2013

Surgery

Knee surgery this morning at Spire Murrayfield Hospital having at last given up on the NHS. Superb attention all round. Little or no pain either standing or walking which, I hope, bodes good for an early return to the hills.

I had knee surgery in 1995 (not NHS), after a steady and patient exercise rehabilitation my knee was better than it had been for 10 years. In 2013 its still holding up although I'm sure the use of walking poles when going downhill is the key to reducing wear and tear on dodgy knees.Hope the recovery goes well.

Hi Geoff. I also had knee surgery in 1995 at the same hospital as this time. Checking my 1995 diary I see that I was on a Glen Dessarry Corbett five weeks after surgery. I recall some pain after the steep descent but after that the knee was perfect - and has remained so ever since.

I agree with your point about poles - my surgeon said my knee joint was in excellent condition, meniscus tear aside, and I'm sure using poles has played a big part in preserving the articular cartilage. Recently I bought Pacerpoles although it's too early to pass an opinion on them vs my Leki ones. Most seem to sing their praises though.

Apologies also for my tardiness in wishing you a speedy recovery. I agree with Geoff's and your own comments above about poles; I've never really grown to love them but I often appreciate them on steep or loose downhills.